Almost two months ago I purchased a brand new 2009 X5 3.0 and got rid of it a few nights ago for for a 2010 Acura MDX w/Tech.

Although I have owned many luxury cars in the past, this was my first BMW purchase so I was very excited to experience the ultimate driving machine. Let me cut to the chase, I WAS NOT IMPRESSED! The X5 wasn’t a bad vehicle by any means but to proclaim that it leads the pack in luxury SUV’s is a huge assumption especially after purchasing the 2010 Acura MDX.

Here are a few annoyances regarding the BMW X5:

1) Premium Sound - My X5 did not come with the premium sound system and from what others are reporting, I am not missing a thing. The way i see it, the stereo options are crap and premium crap! I came from a Lexus with Mark Levison audio and my X5 pales in comparison. Truthfully, the base system in my coworkers Rav4 blows the doors off my X5.

2) Running Boards – Did anyone in BMW R&D check these running boards for their usefulness? Running boards are an accessory that looks nice but are rarely used. They should respond when called upon but for the most part stay out of the way. The running boards on the BMW X5 are the most intrusive running boards on any car I’ve seen. Climbing in and out while trying to avoid your pant leg rubbing against the running boards is a lesson in acrobatics..especially in the rain!

3) iPod / USB Integration – The iPod integration is nice but the iDrive system makes searching through 1000’s of songs a tedious task.

4) Navigation – Although the navigation system works, it should be completely blown away and started again from scratch. The current system seems antiquated when compared to the systems used in even non-premium vehicles.

5) Key – Without Comfort Access, you are required to insert the key fob and then push the start button. Why not equip the vehicle with a fully keyless start system OR the traditional key-turn start system. Why a hybrid of both?

6) Engine – I found the engine to be hit or miss. Sometimes the vehicle seemed snappy off the line and other times it felt like I was walking a dinosaur on a leash. Putting the transmission in Sport Mode or manually shifting gears is definitely the way to improve performance.

7) Ride - Around the city the SUV rode fairly rough (maybe due to run flats) but on the highway everything settled down to a buttery smooth glide.

8) Backup Camera - Seriously? The picture was so grainy and dark it was almost useless at night.

9) Wow Factor – Completely missing never to be found after almost two months of ownership!

10) Conveniences - $60k vehicle without a sunglass holder is absolutely absurd! Yes I know this is minor inconvenience but at the same time a sunglass holder is a minimum expectation for a vehicle of this price. What if the X5 didn’t include power side mirrors or sunroof?

11) Maybe if I had purchased an X5 with a more robust engine most or all of these annoyances would have been easier to overlook.

12) Backup sensors- The backup sensors were cool but because the display took so long to load, often times I would hear a beep without a visual because I had to wait and wait and wait.....

Although I haven’t owned the MDX long, I have been able to make a few preliminary comparisons. There is one area where the BMW X5 immediately trumps the MDX and that is road manners (i.e. tightness). This was immediately evident during the test drive and further pronounced on my drive home. The BMW X5 feels like it was carved out of steel thus giving it a more solid and tighter feel overall.

If the main reason for buying an X5 is performance their is none better but if one is looking for a vehicle that is intuitive, well thought out, and connects with the driver on multiple levels besides whats under the hood, there are many alternatives to choose from.

Over time I'm sure there will be things about the MDX that are annoying starting with the super slippery steering wheel but so far, the 2010 Acura MDX is an incredible SUV and I couldn't be happier with my decision. Do I think the Acura MDX is a BETTER vehicle.....No! Do I think the Acura MDX is a better vehicle "FOR ME"......ABSOLUTELY.

Let me also say the dealership where I purchased the X5 was also a factor in getting rid of the X5. Without a doubt that was the worse buying experience ever!